Clear Creek Recreation Area

Area Status: Open

Located in Bankhead National Forest, Clear Creek is the largest recreation area on Lake Lewis Smith. It offers a day use group picnic site, a campground and countless ways to enjoy the lake and surrounding area. Many of the camp sites at Clear Creek are well-shaded, private and offer views of the lake. There are 3 reservable group picnic areas that can accommodate up to 50 people. The day use areas stay open year-round. The fish still bite in the winter!

Natural Features: Bankhead National Forest is located in northwestern Alabama, and its prominent feature is the Sipsey Wilderness. Known as "The Land of a Thousand Waterfalls," it's an area of abundant streams, old-growth forests, limestone bluffs and lush canyons. Lake Lewis Smith boasts more than 500 miles of shoreline marked by high rock bluffs. The water is clear and deep and provides excellent fishing.

Recreation: The campground has a basketball and volleyball court, playground and horseshoe pit. Interpretive programs are hosted during the summer. Day-use visitors and campers have access to a boat ramp and swim beach. The lake provides excellent fishing for Kentucky Spotted Bass and Hybrid Striped Bass. There are two trails in the area; the 2.5-mile Raven Interpretive Trail and a 1.5-mile bicycle trail.

Facilities: All facilities are wheelchair-accessible. Flush toilets, drinking water and showers are offered for both campers and day use visitors. The campground offers standard sites with electric and water hook-ups, as well as tent-only non-electric sites for groups. Sites contain paved parking spurs, picnic tables, grills and tent pads.

Nearby Attractions: Two nearby attractions within Bankhead National Forest are the Little Natural Bridge and the 19th-century Pine Torch Church. Another popular attraction in the local area is Houston Civil War Jail.

At a Glance

Reservations:

Reservations can be made by visiting Recreation.gov. Reservations must be made 4 days ahead of arrival and can be made up to 6 months in advance for standard sites or 12 months in advance for group sites.

Fees

Standard camp sites range in price from $16-32 per night. Group camping sites are $50 per night. Group picnic areas are $30-35 per day.

Open Season:

Early March - Late October

Usage:

Light

Closest Towns:

Jasper, AL

Water:

Drinking Water

Restroom:

Flush

Information Center:

Be sure to reserve a site that will accommodate your equipment. The site you reserve is your site. You may not move to another site.
Gatehouse hours are 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. The Day Use Area is open from 8 a.m. until dusk. After-hours access is available by calling ahead, (205) 384-4792
Alcohol is not allowed in park
Campground has a two tent maximum per single site. Two vehicles are included in the site fee. There is a fee for additional vehicles that will be collected at the campground.